Trekking in Nepal >> Annapurna Region Trekking >> Annapurna Circuit Trek - 29 Days

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the classic treks in the world and on the ‘must do’ list of any serious trekker or adventurer. The circuit takes one around the Annapurna Himal, following the courses of 2 mighty rivers: the Marsyangdi in the east and the Kaligandaki in the west, and takes one over the 5416m-high Thorung La Pass in between the upper reaches of the rivers. The Kaligandaki is the world’s deepest gorge, flanked by the giant Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himals. The flora, geography and culture also change dramatically around the circuit.

The highest point of the trek is Thorungla pass at the top of the valley at 5416m high. Due to the difficulties of crossing the pass, the circuit is usually walked in a counter clockwise direction. Traveling clockwise the longer ascent and shorter descent from west to east is too much for many peoples to manage in one day.

As we descend to the west at Muktinath from Manang, we continue to the the barren Tibetan like village of the kali Gandaki - the world's deepest gorge passes between the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. After you cross the Thorung La pass from Manang to Muktinath the final seven days of the circuit trek are the same as the Jomsom Trek from Pokhara, but in reverse.

 

The Trails
The trails on the circuit struck me as well designed and maintained. Solid and scenic suspension bridges span many of the big river crossings. In some areas the trail has been dynamited out of sheer mountain faces, providing dramatic, thousand-meter drops down to the valley floor below.

 

The Views
The Himalaya mountain views are, quite simply, the most splendid natural views I've ever seen in my life. On a canvas too enormous to take in at once, rock and water and plant compete for attention. Gentle green mountains roll down to deep valley floors with ancient terraced fields carved out of their sides. Icy, unreal-blue rivers slice deep into rocky valley floors. New, angry, jagged cliffs tower off in the background, standing in stark relief against crystalline skies. An embarrassing abundance of waterfalls cut deep trenches into the rock face.

 

The Village People
The Annapurna trail winds through dozens of villages that offer glimpses into traditional Nepali village life. Largely Hindu in the lowlands, the villages gradually reflected Tibetan influences as we climbed higher into the mountains, Hindu icons giving way to Buddhist prayer wheels and gompas (temples).

Most people we encountered were genuinely pleased to see us, and greeted us enthusiastically with "Namaste" (I salute you!) whenever we passed. (Tourism is at a low in Nepal right now; we must have been welcome sights to the people who depend on tourists for their livelihood.)

As a general rule, Nepalese people are stronger than water buffaloes. Porters passed us on the trail carrying dump truck-sized loads in wicker baskets slung from the crowns of their heads. Children hauled loads of firewood, food, even stones that would make Western gym rats cringe. (Having a 60-year-old, load-bearing Nepalese lady speed past you on the trail, rock-solid calves pumping off into the distance, is a humbling experience.)

 

Tea Houses
Most of the villages we passed through had lodges geared toward trekkers. Simple wooden plank affairs with thin mattresses, clean sheets, and decent duvets, double rooms went for the low low rate of $.25-$1.00 per night.

 

Trip Facts:

Destination:Nepal-Annapurna Circuit Trek
Starting point:Besi Sahar
Ending point: Pokhara
Trip Duration:29 days including Kathmandu City tour
Grading: Moderate to Strenuous
Activity: Trekking, City Tour
Max. Altitude:5416m
Group Size:01 - 14 pax
Season:March-May,Sep-Dec

 

Trip Highlights: